Handel: Air, from the Water Music Suites - for Woodwind Quintet

ISMN#:979-0-3071-0075-6
ASCAP WORK ID#:936100897

This intermediate woodwind quintet digital download arrangement of the classic "Air" from George F. Handel’s iconic Water Music Suites is a staple of wedding music. It can be performed either before or after the ceremony. This piece is also great for recitals, graduations, military ceremonies, and background-dinner-music gigs. This exceptional arrangement, originally from the Baroque Era, was written for college groups, amateur ensembles, and professional quintets.

As always, I have included an alternate bass clarinet part in lieu of a missing bassoon. Handel’s Water Music Suites were first performed in 1717 for King George I for an aristocratic celebration upon a royal barge that was headed up the River Thames in London, England. Originally composed for a baroque orchestra, I hope you enjoy this unique setting for winds. Add this CMP arrangement to your own wedding music collection now!

If you're looking for a wedding music collection for WQ, CMP will be publishing a new collection in May 2026. This wedding music collection will include George F. Handel's "Air" from the Water Music Suites, plus Clarke's (Attr. Purcell) "Trumpet Voluntary," Mendelssohn's "Wedding March," from A Midsummer Night's Dream, Bach's "Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring," from Cantata BWV 147, Richard Wagner's "Bridal Chorus" from Lohengrin, and the above-mentioned George F. Handel's "Arrival of the Queen of Sheba" from the oratorio Solomon. Save 30% on the price of these six individual pieces when you purchase the CMP Wedding Music Collection for WQ. Look for this collection, coming soon!

Updated 11 May 2026